Gypsum powder or plaster is a building material that features similar properties to mortar or cement. The powder is created by heating gypsum a soft naturally occurring mineral to roughly 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 °C) and then mixing with water. The resulting paste hardens as it cools, developing a relatively soft, pliable finished product. Unlike mortar or cement, which dry much harder. It can be sanded or otherwise manipulated once cured, making a valid option for aesthetic, non-load bearing purposes.